By Bobby Kerlik
The Pittsburgh Tribune Review
PITTSBURGH — A North Side teenager pleaded guilty to third-degree murder today and will spend 40 to 80 years in prison for taking part in the deadly robbery of a retired Pittsburgh firefighter.
Tyrone Thomas, 17, of Perry South, pleaded guilty in the death of Mark Barry, 55, of Marshall-Shadeland. Barry was gunned down as he walked his dog March 15, 2010.
In addition to third-degree murder, Thomas pleaded guilty to several other charges — including robbery and conspiracy — in exchange for the plea deal. Common Pleas Judge Jeffrey A. Manning approved the deal and imposed the sentence.
Thomas’ attorney, Assistant Public Defender Chris Patarini, said the plea bargain was the best route for his client: “He was looking at life in prison. Based on his statements, it could have been a first- or second-degree conviction.”
Cordell Brown, 18, of Marshall-Shadeland, also is charged with homicide. His case was postponed until Aug. 15.
Investigators interviewed Brown and Thomas after reviewing video surveillance footage taken near Shadeland and Woodland avenues that showed four males following Barry and his dog, Deputy District Attorney Janet Necessary said. Barry, who retired in 2005 from 38 Engine Company in Northview Heights, was found dead on Mullins Street in Marshall-Shadeland.
Homicide detectives have said that Brown and Thomas blamed each other for firing the bullet that pierced Barry’s heart.
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